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Exploring The Way Life Works: The Science of Biology
Mahlon B. Hoagland

What Is Life?
Lynn Margulis

Plants, Genes, and
Crop Biotechnology

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies
Jared Diamond



The Selfish Gene 
Richard Dawkins

Blind Watchmaker Why the Evidence
Richard Dawkins

Resources

Scientific & Peer-Reviewed Journals


• Nature Biotechnology

• Science Magazine

• American Scientist Magazine

• MedBio World
  Links to Genetics, Genomics & Biotechnology Journals

Financial & General Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical News

• BioSpace - Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical News, Careers, etc.

• Yahoo! Biotechnology & Drugs Industry News

• Bio.com: Biotechnology Pharmaceutical News, Stocks, Jobs, Software, Conferences

• BioWorld Online, The Worldwide Biotechnology News and Information Source

• Biotechnology News, Newsletters & Journals - links provided by National Agricultural Library

• Chemscope - BioNews

• Bio-IT World
  Technology Trends & Forcasts

• GenomeWeb Daily News

Glossaries

• Glossary of Biotechnology Terms

• BioTech's Life Science Dictionary

• The BioSpace Glossary

• Life Science Glossary

(The following sections are based on the course "Issues in Biotechnology: The Way We Work With Life")

The Mechanics of Life: What is Life?

• Teacher Lesson Plans
  University of Utah

• DNA From the Beginning
  DNA from the Beginning is an animated tutorial on DNA, genes and heredity. The science behind each concept is explained using animations, an image gallery, video interviews, problems, biographies, and links. There are three sections, Classical Genetics, Molecules of Genetics and Organization of Genetic Material. Key features are the clear explanations of classical experiments and the excellent photographs of researchers and their labs. (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

• Molecules in Motion
  A lecture aid for use in the classroom. Provides interactive 3-dimensional images of DNA and its components.

• DNA Interactive
  Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

• DNA
  PBS Interactive

• The Interactive Fly
  The Interactive Fly is a cyberspace guide to Drosophila genes and their roles in development. It contains images, animations and information on genes and development in the fruit fly.

• Genetic Science Learning Center
  An educational site focused on modern human genetics analysis. Has both on-line activities and instructions for labs and in class activites. The four main areas are Basic Genetics, Genetic Disorders, Genetics in Society and Genetic thematic Units. (University of Utah)

• Techniques in Biotechnology
  Interactive - Dolan DNA Learning Center (PCR, Southern Blot, etc.)

• Gel Electrophoresis

• Gel Electrophoresis Protocals

• Southerns, Northerns, Westerns, & Cloning:
  "Molecular Searching" Techniques
  MIT

• Introduction to Nucleic Acids and Application to Infectious Disease Detection
  Access Excellence & American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science

• How to extract DNA from anything living
  Teacher resources & lesson plans - University of Utah

• Anatomy of a Comparative Gene Expression Study
  The illustration shows the steps that make up a comparative cDNA hybridization experiment.

• Large-Scale Gene Expression and Microarray Links and Resources
  This site is a collection of web resources and pointers to information on large-scale gene expression studies, and especially microarray technologies. The links included are biased towards the development and applications of informatics and bioinformatics for these technologies.

• Online Biology Textbook by Dr. John Kimball
  Very extensive with lots of diagrams (adapted to the web from his printed textbooks).

Applications of Biotechnology: The Future is Now

General Biotechnology

• GEO-PIE - Genetically Engineered Organisms Public Issues Education Project
  Cornell University

• Bio.org
  Biotechnology Industry Organization

• Access Excellence
  National Health Museum

• Issues in Biotechnology
  American Institute of Biological Sciences

• American Museum of Natural History: The Genomic Revolution
  The exhibit provides an introduction to genetics and explores the use of genetic information in such technologies as gene therapy and genetically modified food. Exhibit features include a genetics learning lab, a timeline, and links to related internet sites.

Agricultural Biotechnology

• New Biotech Processes Revolutionize Domestic Energy Production
  This video introduces a revolution in industrial biotechnology that is radically changing how companies make ethanol for transportation fuel.

• USDA Agricultural Biotechnology

• AgBioForum
  Journal of Agrobiotechnology Management & Economics

• AgBiosafety
  U. Nebraska - Lincoln
  Our goal is to be a definitive source of scientific, regulatory and educational materials relevant to crop biotechnology and the current debate on the genetic modification of food.

• AgBioWorld

• U. California Seed Biotechnology Center

• GM Food (SCOPE Research Group (UC Berkeley, UW, AAAS)

• UCBiotech.org - U. California, Berkeley

• Council for Biotechnology Information

• The Future of Biotechnology
  To determine the future impact that biotechnology might have on the field of agriscience and society at large (NAAE USDA Grant Lesson Plans) - extensive

Marine & Environmental Biotechnology

• Marine Biological Laboratory
  Woods Hole, MA

• Marine Biotechnology
  National Sea Grant Office

• Marine Biotechnology
  Wageningen University on the cultivation of sponges in bioreactors and scale-up aspects of closed photobioreactors for cultivation of micro-algae and biological hydrogen production.

• Center of Marine Biotechnology
  The Center of Marine Biotechnology (COMB) is an internationally recognized research laboratory devoted to applying the tools of modern biology and biotechnology to study, protect and enhance marine and estuarine resources. (U. Maryland)

• Marine Biotechnology
  Marine biotechnology can simply be described as the biotechnology of organisms from the seas. Thus we will consider manuscripts describing the molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, cell biology, and biochemistry of any marine or freshwater prokaryote or eukaryote. The journal also welcomes papers related to genome biology and genome technologies such as linkage mapping, QTL mapping, physical mapping, and comparative and functional genome analysis - Sample articles from Journal

• Center for Environmental Biotechnology - Berkeley

• Biomediation Resources
  National Agricultural Library

• Opportunities in Marine Biotechnology and Aquaculture
  Biotechnology Research Subcommittee, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)

• Opportunities in Environmental Biotechnology
  Biotechnology Research Subcommittee, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)

• Marine Biotechnology in the Twenty-First Century: Problems, Promise, and Products
  National Academies Press - Online Book

• Extremophiles: Bioprospecting for antimicrobials

• Aquaculture & Biotechnology Information
  Fisheries & Oceans Canada - Numerous Articles

• Case Study Growth-Enhanced Salmon
  This case study concerns the potential aquaculture production or importation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) genetically engineered to contain an additional fish growth hormone gene that is intended to make the Atlantic salmon grow faster and use feed more efficiently. CEQ/OSTP Assessment: Case Studies of Environmental Regulation for Biotechnology

• Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center

• Biotechnology-Aquaculture Interface: The Site of Maximum Impact Workshop White Paper
  The primary purpose of the Workshop was to provide information to ARS about biotechnology tools that will help ARS in the development and implementation of its future aquaculture research programs.

• The Important Role of Biotechnology in Aquaculture
  Biotechnology Industry Organization position paper

Bioweapons & Bioterrorism

• Nova Online: Bioterror
  History, video clip, interviews...

• Bioterror
  To help students learn more about the October 2001 anthrax attacks and their aftermath.

• Preparing for Bioterror
  Discussion Questions, In-depth Analysis, Vocabulary, and Role Play By Laura Greenwald, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies

• Putting Anthrax in History

  • Identify the cause of the anthrax disease.

  • List symptoms and treatments for anthrax.

  • Identify different forms of anthrax disease.

  • Summarize and organize information from several sources.

  • Create original text in the style of a science text.

  • Evaluate credibility of web information.

• Bioterrorism: Implications for Terrorism in the Agriscience Industry
  To prevent or respond to acts of terrorism within the agriscience industry - very extensive

• Bioterrorism
  After completion of a webquest about bioterrorism, students will be able to accurately demonstrate their knowledge of the seriousness of a biological terrorist attack, rates of infection, and the preventive measures of such an attack through a presentation to a pseudo city council.

• Center for the Study of Bioterrorism Research Projects
  Saint Louis University School of Public Health

• Bioterrorism Resources
  American College of Physicians

• CDC: Bioterrorism Agents/Diseases
  Emergency Preparedness & Response (Center for Disease Control)

• The History of Bioterrorism Video
  These videos describe the Category A diseases: smallpox, anthrax, botulism, plague, tularemia, and viral hemorrhagic fevers. If these germs were used to intentionally infect people, they would cause the most illness and death. Watch these videos to learn how some of these agents have been or can be used as bioterrorist weapons.

• FDA: The Bioterrorism Act of 2002
  The events of Sept. 11, 2001, reinforced the need to enhance the security of the United States. Congress responded by passing the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act), which President Bush signed into law June 12, 2002.

• FDA:  Counterterrorism

• US National Library of Science & National Institute of Health: Biodefence & Bioterrorism

Forensic Biotechnology

• Forensic Uses of Biotechnology

•   The Forensic Science Project
  This multidisciplinary project creates a link between biology, biotechnology, chemistry and physics. It is intended to expose high school students to the various laboratory skills commonly used during a forensic investigation. Students will acquire the skills of observation, microscopy, chromatography, serology, DNA fingerprinting with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and laws of physics through the project. (Bergen County Technical Schools)

• DNA Fingerprinting in Human Health and Society
  Written by David F. Betsch, Ph.D., Biotechnology Training Programs, Inc. Edited by Glenda D. Webber, Iowa State University Office of Biotechnology. (Access Excellence)

• The Future of Forensic DNA Testing: Predictions of the Research and Development Working Group
  This NIJ (National Institute of Justice) Issues and Practices report discusses past and present techniques in forensic DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) analysis, the most likely technical advances in the forthcoming decade, and assesses the impact of these advances on forensic DNA analysis.

• DNA in "Minor" Crimes Yields Major Benefits in Public Safety
  When they analyze DNA from a burglary, they get evidence that often solves several other cases as well. (National Institute of Justice)

• Handbook for Forensic Sciences
  FBI Report

• Education and Training in Forensic Science: A Guide for Forensic Science Laboratories, Educational Institutions, and Students
  American Academy of Forsensic Sciences

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

• Links to Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology Companies

• in-Pharma Technologist
  Breaking news on pharmaceutical technologies

• Pharmaceutical Technology
  Industry projects, news, company listing, events for the pharmaceutical industry

• Nature is Vital to Drug Product Discovery
  American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

• Modern Drug Discovery Magazine
  Modern Drug Discovery serves the needs of scientists and others involved in drug research and development. Each issue covers topics in drug discovery, product development, R&D management, and related business, clinical, and regulatory issues. The magazine also reports on subjects of scientific interest in academia and industry, as well as on important and emerging instrumentation, technology, and laboratory practices.

• Drug Discovery
  Drug discovery@nature.com is an entirely free information resource for everyone with an interest in drug discovery and development, bringing you regularly updated content from Nature Publishing Group titles.

• Drug Discovery & Development Magazine
  Online articles, webcasts, calendar, careers

• Biopharmaceutical Glossary
  Over 4,000 definitions from the Cambridge Healthtech Institute

• Key Points About Plant-Made Pharmaceuticals
  Andrew Baum, President & CEO, SemBioSys Genetics, Inc., discusses plant-made pharmaceuticals on BIO Live, a special web cast program.

• Animals and Medicine
  This video highlights the many advances in biotechnology that benefit companion animals and livestock.

Pharmacogenomics

• The Human Genome Project: Pharmacogenomics
  What is Pharmacogenomics, benefits, additional resources

• PharmacogenomicsOnline

• Pharmacogenomics
  Genetic markers such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms may lead to personalized medicines for a wide variety of diseases (Article from Chemical & Engineering News)

• Medicines by Design
  National Institute of General Medical Sciences

•   Who Owns the Rights to Pharmacogenetic Information?
  High school lesson plan: Develop an understanding of the rationale of ownership over scientific information, research the commercial applications of DNA sequences, formulate an opinion about sharing scientific information, analyze how to evaluate medical ethics issues, understand the implications of public access to personal DNA information

Embryonic & Adult Stem Cells

• International Society for Stem Cell Research
  The International Society for Stem Cell Research is an independent, nonprofit organization established to promote and foster the exchange and dissemination of information and ideas relating to stem cells, to encourage the general field of research involving stem cells and to promote professional and public education in all areas of stem cell research and application.

• National Institute of Health Stem Cell Information
  Extensive site covering such topics as: Research Topics, Basics, Federal Policy, Glossary...

• How Embryonic Stem Cell Lines are Made
  Dolan DNA Learning Center

• Nature: Focus on Stem Cells
  A selection of articles and features on stem cells, including the specially commissioned Stem Cells Insight.

• Monitoring Stem Cell Research
  The President's Council on Bioethics

• Miracle Cell
  This episode of the series Innovation explores the use of stem cells for regenerative therapies. (Originally aired April 13, 2004)

• Stem Cell Research Foundation

• Stem Cells in the Spotlight
  Lesson Plans & Activities - University of Utah

• Engage: Stem Cells
  ENGAGE: Stem Cells consists of class modules, developed as lessons with support material. The program is designed to cover about one week of classroom instruction depending upon period length. Four modules explore the ethical implications of controversial new technologies. The modules centre on an exercise that introduces students to stem cells and the medical potential of stem cell research, raises associated ethical issues and challenges them to develop legislation that would govern the use of stem cell research

• LESSON: STEM CELL RESEARCH: THE DEBATE OVER EMBRYONIC AND ADULT STEM CELL USE: Background, Activities and Critical Analysis
  PBS NewsHour

• Stem cell research lesson plan
  Formulate and argue an opinion about stem cell research following their participation in a debate about the topic (CNN)

• A New You! Learning How Stem Cells Can Repair the Body
  In this lesson, students research stem cells to learn how they function, the distinguishing characteristics of types of stem cells, and how stem cells may be manipulated by scientists to help bodies heal and regenerate unhealthy or damaged cells.

• Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative Medicine
  The National Academies Press - online book

Animal Cloning

• AgBiotechNet: Animal Cloning

•   Will Dolly's arthritis impact the future of animal cloning?
  Lesson plan to have students identify bioethical questions surrounding cloning and formulate opinions about the future of cloning animals.

• Cloning Animals and Plants: Any Difference?
  When the students have completed this lesson, they will
  • understand the value of scientific inquiry
  • have a better understanding of how plants and animals are cloned
  • be able to present an informed, yet personal, view on cloning animals and plants

• Bioethics: Where the Future May Take Us
  Recent developments in gene cloning, imaging technologies, and transplantation have given rise to difficult and troubling ethical questions. In this unit, students explore bioethical dilemmas in several areas. They look at the promise and the perils of creating life through cloning and other processes, the intersection of brain imaging technology with privacy issues, and questions about the use and allocation of high-tech medical care. They reflect on these issues in relation to the overarching theme of the rapid advance of technology and the unknown future.

Biotechnology Patents and Regulatory Affairs

• Biotechnology Regulatory Services
  U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS)

• Agricultural Biotechnology Intellectual Property Database
  Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

• U.S. Regulatory Agencies Unified Biotechnology Website
  This website focuses on the agricultural products of modern biotechnology.   At this time, the searchable database available on this site only covers genetically engineered crop plants intended for food or feed that have completed all recommended or required reviews for food, feed or planting use in the United States.

Nanotechnology

• Nanotechnology Now
  Covering future sciences such as Nanotechnology, Molecular Nanotechnology (MNT), MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS), NanoElectroMechanical Systems (NEMS), Nanomedicine, Nanobiotechnology, Nanoelectronics, Nanofabrication, Computational Nanotechnology, Quantum Computers, and Artificial Intelligence - to name just a few.

• Foresight Institute
  Foresight focuses its efforts upon nanotechnology, the coming ability to build products—of any size—with atomic precision. Foresight Institute® is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

• National Nanotechnology Initiative
  The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is a federal R&D program established to coordinate the multiagency efforts in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.

• Nanotechnology Industries
  Provides free nanotechnology news email lists, huge database of links, essays and current events.

• Center for Nanotechnology - NASA

• Yahoo! Search - Nanotechnology

• Science & Technology - Nanotechnology
  Learn how the smallest technologies are shaping the future of science

• Opportunities in Manufacturing/Bioprocessing
  Biotechnology Research Subcommittee, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)

• Nanotechnology
  An extensive site with many other links for nanotechnology

• Nanotechnology Journal
  Current issue online.

Biotechnology: Ethical Issues and Concerns

• USDA Biotechnology Regulatory Services

• Biotechnology and Health Care Ethics

• Bioethics at Bio.org

• American Journal of Bioethics

• The National Reference Center for Bioethics Literature
  (NRCBL), is a specialized collection of books, journals, newspaper articles, legal materials, regulations, codes, government publications, and other relevant documents concerned with issues in biomedical and professional ethics.

• The National Information Resource on Ethics & Human Genetics

• Ethics, Social Values, and Biotechnology

• BioEthics Web

• Harvest of Fear : NOVA Online
  Lesson plan to research and debate the arguments for and against the use of genetically modified foods.

• Food's Altered Ego: Understanding International Positions on the Use of Genetically Modified Foods
  In this lesson, students investigate various countries' positions on genetically modified foods and write a position paper from the perspective of their designated country.

• Stem Cell Research Policy Lesson Plan: Create an Advocacy Brochure
  After researching the science and the controversy around stem cell research, students will create brochures to display their knowledge and a point of view.

• The Clone Age
  Students will understand that there are ethical and practical arguments in favor of cloning and against cloning.

Biotech Careers

• Employment Trends in Biotechnology
  (Search Masters International)

• General Contentment Masks Gender Gap in First AAAS Salary and Job Survey
  American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

• 2004 AAAS/Science Life-Sciences Salary and Career Survey

• Science Careers
  Science Magazine

• Biotech & Pharmaceutical Job Postings
  Medzilla

• The SciWeb Biotechnology Career Center

• Career Center
  Access Excellence - includes biotech job descriptions and interviews

• Biotech Jobs Postings
  Bio.com

• Careers in industrial microbiology and biotechnology
  Society for Industrial Microbiology

• Careers in Biotechnology
  Cooperative Extension Service

• Employment Links
  Industry websites that are maintaining their own Employment page. (Bio-Link.org)

• Bio-Link Clearinghouse of Curriculum Materials for
  Biotechnology Technician Education
  In this site you will find various skill standards documents that outline the technical skills, knowledge, and attributes that are required at the entry-level in the biotechnology work place.